168 Film Write of Passage
A Scriptwriting Competition Like No Other
2023 Season

168 Write of Passage - Screenwriting Competition

Got a week? Write a script!

168 Film's Write of Passage short script competition provides screenwriters a mentored opportunity to practice and hone their craft like no other.

Are you up for the challenge? - It could change your life.

  • Top writer receives $350 cash and an introduction to entertainment industry professionals.1
  • Top DE receives $100 cash.1

It's About TIME!

2023 Theme

It’s about TIME! There are good times, bad times, old times and two times (now and eternity). This is our time! Spend it well, for you are "a mist that soon vanishes." Take this journey as we explore God’s plan for such a time as this!

Competition Schedule1

  • Verse Assignment:
    Feb. 7, 2023 @ 5:00 PM
  • Scriptwriting Week Start:
    Feb. 7, 2023 @ 5:00 PM (no earlier)
  • Script Turn-In:
    Feb. 14, 2023 @ 5:00 PM (no later)

Award Announcements1

  • Semi Finalists:
    Feb. 24, 2023
  • Finalists:
    Mar. 3, 2023
  • Grand Prize Recipient:
    Mar. 7, 2023

Entry Schedule1

Registration Currently Closed

What is Write of Passage?

Started in 2009, the Write of Passage Screenwriting Competition is a one-week, mentored competition, which teaches writers as they compete. The goal is to develop redemptive, inspirational stories that honor God. Submissions are 12-pages and are written in 168 hours, based on the theme and a foundational scripture. 

Writers compete for cash, prizes, Hollywood introductions and expert critique from Hollywood insiders. Any Write of Passage script may be produced to screen at the 168 Film Festival as a Write of Passage Spotlight Film. (Details here.)

Write of Passage utilizes participants called "Development Executives" (DE's) to both mentor writers to help them refine their scripts, and to judge the first round of the competition. DE's also compete for cash, Hollywood introductions and producer credits on resulting films. Write of Passage complements the 168 Film Project, allowing the best writers a chance to be seen onscreen.

Read Top Scripts Frequently Asked Questions

Images from Write of Passage Spotlight Films

How Write of Passage Works

  1. Potential DE's apply for the Development Executive position
  2. Writers sign up and pay fee
  3. Writers get a confirmation email, e-sign contract with the Rules
  4. Development Executive (DE) is assigned to writer
  5. Verses sent at 5pm Pacific time on the scheduled day. ONLY THEN can writing begin
  6. Writers send drafts to the DE for critique
  7. Writers refine script based on DE critique
  8. Writers submit thier scripts to DE for judging by 5pm Pacific time on Turn-In day (168 hours later)
  9. DE's judge and send top entries to the finals
  10. Top entries are published and made available publicly for Audience Favorite polling
  11. Finalists are judged by jury and scores tabulated
  12. Winners are announced, prizes distributed
  13. Write of Passage scripts may be licensed by current-year Film Project producers in the Write of Passage Spotlight or Student categories
  14. Write of Passage Spotlight Films screen at the 168 Film Festival
  15. Write of Passage writers are acknowledged at the 168 Film Festival

See FAQ for more info.

Register Now!